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Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine
8.5
Garden-to-table Thai concept emphasizing fresh herbs and natural ingredients in traditional recipes with modern technique. Brussels sprouts with homemade sauce and Creamy Tom Yum pasta showcase creative interpretations, while classics like Boat Noodle Soup and Yellow Curry maintain authentic roots. Warm family atmosphere draws multi-generational regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Creamy Tom Yum Spaghetti, Signature Brussels Sprouts, Yellow Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fresh herb-focused Thai cooking blending garden ingredients with family recipes
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and families seeking wholesome Thai
When to visit: Weekends for relaxed family meals
What to order: Creamy Tom Yum Spaghetti, Brussels Sprouts, Mango Sticky Rice
Insider tip: Garden Rolls and Curry Potato Pie are new additions worth trying
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building with 15+ spaces, street parking available on Sepulveda
Dress code: Casual - athletic wear to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak times (6-8pm), call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - seat immediately most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 10+ options including curries, noodles, and garden-focused dishes
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan, coconut milk curries work well
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes available, but cross-contamination possible in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - relaxed family atmosphere takes pressure off, but lacks romantic ambiance. Better for 2nd-3rd dates when comfort matters more than impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner yes. Friday-Saturday dinner arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm, or expect 20-30 min wait. They don't take reservations for parties under 6.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - half the tables have families. High chairs available, mild curry options, and staff patient with kids. Mango Sticky Rice is hit with children.
How spicy is the food? Adjustable - they ask your preference (1-5 scale). Level 2 has gentle heat, Level 3 is Thai-restaurant medium. Most regulars order 2-3.
Is it good for takeout? Yes - curries and noodle dishes travel well. Brussels Sprouts less ideal (get soggy). Call 15 min ahead, usually ready in 20-25 min.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, health-conscious Thai with creative touches - cleaner ingredients than typical Thai spots, family-friendly vibe without sacrificing flavor, unique dishes like Brussels Sprouts and Tom Yum Pasta you won't find elsewhere
Skip if: You want classic date-night ambiance, authentic street-food style Thai, or super-affordable prices (it's mid-range). For quick/cheap Thai, hit Night + Market or Jitlada for more authentic fire.
Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine
8.3
Contemporary Thai kitchen showcasing fresh herbs and modern techniques applied to traditional recipes. Signature dishes include creamy spaghetti tom yum and boat noodle soup inspired by authentic street food. Known for bold spicing with customizable heat levels from mild through genuine Thai hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Tom Yum Kroong, Signature Pad Thai, Boat Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Fresh garden herbs define every dish with Netflix-inspired menu creativity
Who should go: Adventurous eaters craving authentic Thai heat and innovation
When to visit: Lunch for quick service or weekend dinner dates
What to order: Creamy tom yum spaghetti, garden rolls, yellow curry with seafood
Insider tip: Order medium spice first - their heat levels run authentically hot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on residential streets, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building fits 6-8 cars.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure to date night nice both work here
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate setting perfect for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation, book ahead for prime times
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 8+ options including tofu variations of most curries
Vegan options: Yes - can modify most dishes, ask for no fish sauce/egg
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes safe, but cross-contamination risk with noodles
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect first date spot - intimate lighting, conversation-friendly noise levels, and shareable dishes that spark interaction. The hidden location adds romantic discovery element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinner - call ahead or expect 20-30 minute wait. They don't take reservations for parties under 4.
Is it kid-friendly? Works for older kids (10+) who eat adventurously. Not ideal for toddlers - no high chairs, sophisticated menu, and quiet romantic vibe. They can dial down spice levels though.
How spicy is 'medium' really? Their medium equals most restaurants' hot. Start with mild if heat-sensitive. Medium has genuine kick. Hot and Thai hot are for spice veterans only - legitimately scorching.
Do they have the basics like pad thai? Yes, classic dishes available but the Netflix-inspired fusion items (tom yum spaghetti, creative curry combinations) are why locals rave. Order one classic, one adventurous.
Best For
Better for: Creative Thai fusion with genuine spice execution, romantic date atmosphere, fresh herb-forward cooking that tastes garden-grown. Better quality-to-price ratio than nearby Playa del Rey options.
Skip if: You want traditional Thai temple recipes unchanged, need guaranteed kid menu, or prefer bustling energetic Thaitown atmosphere. Also skip if you're spice-averse and unwilling to trust their mild options.
Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine
8.4
Hidden Garden takes its name seriously, emphasizing fresh herbs and vegetables in authentic Thai preparations with modern presentation. The Brussels sprouts appetizer surprises with bold sweet-spicy glazing, while the signature pad Thai and creamy tom yum showcase balanced flavors. The kitchen makes everything from scratch, including curry pastes and sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Pad Thai, Creamy Tom Yum Spaghetti, Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Backyard garden philosophy with fresh herbs and modern Thai-fusion dishes
Who should go: Health-conscious diners wanting fresh, flavorful Thai cuisine
When to visit: Weekend brunch for boat noodle soup specials
What to order: Pad Thai, creamy tom yum spaghetti, Brussels sprouts
Insider tip: Order the yellow curry crab fried rice if available as a special
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, usually easy to find. Small lot in back with 6-8 spaces.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - beachwear to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation at all times
Weekend wait: 15-30 min without reservation, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 15+ options including tofu/vegetable curries and stir-fries
Vegan options: Yes - most dishes can be made vegan, ask for no fish sauce/egg
Gluten-free options: Good options - rice noodles and rice dishes, inform server about soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates. Quiet enough to talk, upscale-casual vibe isn't intimidating, and the fresh garden-focused menu gives you conversation starters. The modern presentation makes it feel special without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually no problem. Friday/Saturday nights call ahead or expect 20-30 minute wait. They don't take reservations for parties under 5, so it's first-come-first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly with mild curry options and familiar dishes like pad Thai. High chairs available, and the staff is accommodating. Best for ages 5+ who can handle chopsticks or noodles - not a lot of 'plain' options for very picky toddlers.
How spicy is the food really? They're accurate with spice levels. Mild is truly mild (kid-safe), medium has noticeable heat but won't wreck you, hot is legit spicy. Ask for Thai-spicy only if you regularly eat at authentic Thai spots - they'll respect the request.
Is it authentic or Americanized? Authentic base with modern touches. They make curry pastes from scratch and use traditional techniques, but presentation is refined and some dishes (like the creamy tom yum spaghetti) show fusion creativity. Thai natives vouch for it.
Best For
Better for: Hidden Garden beats chain Thai when you want fresher ingredients, scratch-made sauces, and more nuanced flavors without MSG heaviness. The herb-forward approach makes it healthier-feeling than typical Thai spots. Better ambiance than most Del Rey Thai options.
Skip if: Skip if you want rock-bottom prices (this is $$$ for Thai) or super fast takeout. If you need massive portions or prefer heavy, rich curry bombs, other spots pile it on more. Also skip if your group wants diverse cuisines - it's Thai-only focused.